Electrical switching device



J1me 1940- H. A. DOUGLAS ,2033% ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICE Filed Oct. 50, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 k M Harts .95.. Douglas XNVJENTOR ATTORNEXS J1me 9 H. A. DOUGLAS 2,203,326

ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVIGE Filed Oct. 50, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A a! 61 a! M 79! l I I fi "7 I 17/ w Hare-s A. Douglas M YLW A M ATTORNEYS Patented June 4, 1940 UNITED STATES ELECTRICAL swrronme nnvrcn Harry A. Douglas, Bronson, Mich, assignor to Kingston Products Corporation, a corporation of Indiana Application October 30, 1936, Serial No. 108,403

1 Claims.

This invention relates to electrical switching devices, more particularly to the type of devices suitable for use with automotive vehicles, and the principal object of this invention is to provide new and improved devices of this type.

In the drawings accompanying the specification and forming a part of this application, I have shown, for purposes of illustration, several forms which my invention may assume, and in these drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through an embodiment of the invention, parts being shown in elevation,

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view correl5 sponding substantially to the line 2-2 of figure 1, and showing, in addition, a conductor terminal adapted to cooperate with the embodiment,

Figure 3 is a perspective view, drawn to a reduced scale, showing the parts of the embodiment in disassembled relation, one of the contact means being omitted to better illustrate the housing structure,

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view disclosing a different embodiment of the invention,

2.", Figure 5 is a sectional view similar to Figure 1,

but disclosing a different embodiment of the invention,

Figure 6 is a sectional view, with parts in elevation, corresponding substantially to the line 30 66 of Figure 5,

Figure '7 is a perspective view of some of the parts of the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Figure 5, but showing a different relation of some of the parts, and

Figure 9 is a, fragmentary sectional view similar to Figure 1, but showing a different relation of some of the parts.

40 Referring first to Figures 1 through 3, the embodiment of the invention therein disclosed comprises a bracket member ll, having a generally plane oblong surface l2, and angularly extending ears [3 adjacent the corners of the surface I 2.

Extending from the longitudinal margins of the bracket member H are flanges H, each flange being provided with an aperture l5, for the purpose of suitably receiving a fastening means (not shown), for fastening the switching device to a 5 mounting, which may be a portion of an automotive vehicle.

Adapted to be assembled with the bracket member II is a housing means I 6, provided with an elongated chamber l1, the open end of which 55 is closed by the oblong sufiace l2 of the bracket (or. z nc-1s II, when the parts are assembled. As shown, the housing means I6 is preferably oblong and made of a single piece of insulating material, and the upper wall, that is the wall opposite the open end, is provided with aboss l8. Each of the longitudinal walls, adjacent the open end of the housing means I6, is provided with an angular longitudinally extending flange l9, the extremities of each of the flanges l9 being notched as shown at 20. The transverse or end walls 2! and 22 of the housing means I6 are recessed as shown at 23 and 24 respectively. The boss 18 is provided with a pair of polygonal apertures 25, in this instance the apertures 25 being rectangular, and each aperture 25 communicates with a well 26 countersinking the aperture and leading into the chamber ll of the housing l6.

Disposed in each of the apertures 25, and the corresponding well 26, is a contact means 21. Contact means of the type preferably used are fully described in a co-pending application, Se rial Number 51,069, filed November 22, 1935, and only a brief description of these contact means is believed to be necessary. Each of the contact means 21 preferably comprises a sheet metal tubular body 28, provided with an integral loop portion 29, ribbed as shown at to strengthen the loop portion 29. The tubular body 28 is formed by bending together complementary U-shaped parts, and the extremity of the body 28 opposite the loop portion 29 is formed with angularly outwardly bent flanges 3|. A sheet metal contact is provided to close the open end of the body 28, the contact comprising a generally annular dome-shaped portion 32, having a flange at its periphery which is adapted to be clinched over the flanges 3| of the body 28, as shown at 33. A helical spring 34 and a detent member 35 are disposed within the tubular body 28 before the sheet metal contact is secured to the body. The spring 34 is interposed between the detent member 35 and the inner surface of the dome-shaped portion 32, so as to urge the detent member against a shoulder formed on the body 28 adjacent the loop portion 29, and also urge a portion of the detent member 35 to a position within the recess provided by the loop portion 29. A helical spring 36 is disposed about the tubular body 28 of each of the contact means 21, the spring 36 being disposed within the well 26, and interposed between the bottom of the well and the clinched-over extremity 33 of the sheet metal contact. It will be appreciated that the body 28 of each contact means 21 is provided with a transverse section to fit the aperture 25 so that the contact means is held against rotation. 4

An actuating member 31, preferably made of sheet metal as shown, is adapted to move through the chamber l1 of the housing means l6, the actuating member 31 having a tubular portion 38 provided with a closed end 33, and also having a trough-like U-shaped portion 40, the vertical walls of which (Figure 3) being beveled at one end as shown at 41, and adjacent this end, the transverse or bight wall is provided with an aperture 42, which is adapted to receive fastening means for fastening the actuating member 31 to a mechanism (not shown) for effecting movement of the actuating member 31. As best shown in Figure 3, the vertical walls of the trough portion 40 are provided with extensions 43, forming recesses 44 with the tubular portion 38, and also forming abutting walls 45.

Detachably mounted on the actuating member 31 is a carrier block 46 preferably formed of insulating material, and being generally oblong in shape. The top surface of the carrier block is provided with a step formation, forming an elongated undercut surface 41. The longitudinal margins of the carrier block 46 are recessed as shown at 48, and the under-surface of the carrier block 46 is provided with a longitudinally extending arcuate groove 49. Extending transversely of the carrier block 46 is a recess 50, providing transversely extending lug portions and 52, and as shown, the lug portion 52 is of a greater longitudinal length than-the lug portion 5|. The lug portion 5| is constructed and arranged to closely fit within the recesses 44 of the actuating member 31, the transverse recess 50 being of a length substantially equal to the length of the extensions 43, so that the lug portion 52 has its inner surface engaging the abutting walls 45, thereby providing only one predetermined position in which the carrier block 46 may be assembled with the actuating means 31. Of course, it will be understood that the lug portions 5| and 52, and the recess 50 may be so constructed that the carrier block 46 may be assembled with the actuating means 31 in two positions.

Bridge means 53 areadapted to be assembled with the carrier block 46, and as best shown in Figure 3, the bridge means 53 comprises a generally oblong current conducting plate 54 of a transverse size slightly less than the width of the carrier block 46, and of a longitudinal length substantially equal to the under-cut surface 41. The plate 54 is provided with angularly extending ears 55 adapted to be received in the recesses 48 provided in the longitudinal margins of the carrier block 46.

The parts of the switching device may be assembled in any desirable manner, and when assembled, the carrier block 46 carrying the bridge means 53 is properly positioned on the actuating member 31 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the bottom surface of the actuating member 31 is slidably supported by the elongated plane surface |2. The arcuate groove 43 formed in the carrier block 46, provides space for a resilient means, such as the helical spring 56, the latter being disposed within the confines of the actuating member 31, and having one extremity bearing against the closed end 33 of the tubular portion 38, and its other extremity bearing against the transverse wall 2| of the'housing means l6. As shown in Figure 1, the wall 2| is made somewhat thicker than the wall 22, so that the force exerted by the spring 56 will not fracture the wall 2|. It will be appreciated that the recesses 23 and 24, formed in the transverse walls of the housing means l6, are preferably shaped to respectively accommodate the tubular portion 36 and the trough-like portion 40 of the actuating member 31. The contact means 21, afterproper assembly, are urged inwardly of the elongated chamber l1. so that the contact of each contact means is pressed into engagement with either the bridge means 53 or the top surface of the carrier block 46. The housing means I6 is suitably secured to the bracket member I I by clinching the extremities of the ears i3 over the upper surface of the longitudinal flanges 19, as best shown in Figure 2, it being appreciated that the fingers l3 fit in the notched portions 20 of the housing means l6.

Referring again to Figure 2, it will be obvious that the chamber I 1 of the housing means I6 is just slightly wider than the width of the carrier block 46, so that the walls of the chamber l1 more or less position the carrier block 46 laterally with respect to the actuating member 31.

A plug conductor 61, of the snap type, is shown in Figure 2 ready to be assembled with the loop portion 29 of one of the contact means 21. The plug conductor 51 is provided with a tapered nose and an annular furrow, the tapered nose being provided with swedging indentations for holding the current conducting portion of an electrical conductor. To assemble the plug conductor 61 with the contact means 21, the tapered nose is inserted into the recess provided by the loop portion 29, such insertion causing the detent means to be moved inwardly of the tubular body 26 until the annular furrow is brought into alignment with the detent means, whereupon the detent means snaps into the annular furrow to resiliently hold the plug conductor 51 in electrical and mechanical engagement with the contact means 21.

Assuming that the parts have been properly assembled, and referring particularly to Figure 1, it will be noted that the bridge means 53 engages only one of the contact means 21, and therefore electrical circuit between the two contact means shown is broken. To establish electrical circuit between the two contact means 21, the actuating member 31 is pulled to the right, against the action of the spring 56, this movement being limited by abutment of the adjacent end of the carrier block 46 with the inner surface of the lateral wall 2|. When the actuating member 31 has ben moved a sufilcient distance to the right, the bridge means 53 engages both of the contact means 21 and completes an electrical circuit therethrough. As soon as the force holding the actuating member 31 in its on or right-hand position is removed, the spring 56 urges the actuating member 31, the carrier block 46, and bridge means 53 carried thereby, to the "011 position shown in Figure 1, movement in this direction being limited by abutment of the adjacent surface of the carrier block 46 with the inner surface of the lateral wall 22 of the housing means I 6. Therefore it will be obvious that the switching device is normally held in an off position, but may be moved to an on position by force overcoming the action of the spring 56. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art, that the actuating member 31 may be constructed and arranged to carry more than one carrier block and bridge means, so as to provide switch means for a series of contact means which may be carried by the housing means l6.

Referring to Figure 4, the embodiment therein shown comprises a structure quite similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 through 3, and like parts will be given like numbers supplemented by the subscript a. As shown in this embodiment, the housing means Hia is provided with an opening 24a in the transverse wall He, the aperture 24a accommodating the tubular portion 38a of the actuating member 31a. However, in this embodiment the opposite vertical walls of the trough portion lOa are provided with lateral extensions 58, preferably struck-out from the vertical walls, the extensions being' constructed and arranged so as to engage the inner surface of the transverse wall 22a, and thereby limit movement of the actuating member 31a before the adjacent surface of the carrier block 49a abuts the interior surface of the transverse wall 22a. With this construction, it will be obvious that strain produced by the urging force of the spring 56a will be taken up by the lateral extensions 58, instead of by the carrier block 46a.

Referring to Figures 5 through "I. the embodiment of the invention therein shown comprises a bracket member 80 having an elongated generally plane surface 6|, provided with a centrally located longitudinal groove 62 intermediate the ends of the bracket member 60, the ends being provided with arcuate bearing surfaces 63. As before, the bracket member 68 is provided with extending fingers 64 and laterally extending flanges 85.

A housing means 456 is preferably formed of a single piece of insulating material, and is adapted to be secured to the bracket member 60, by clinching the extremities of the fingers 84 over longitudinally extending flanges formed on the housing means 66. The transverse ends of the housing means 56 are provided with arcuate slots 61, to provide for reciprocable movement of an actuating member 68, the surfaces 63 of the bracket member 60 providing bearing surfaces for the actuating member 98, and cooperating with the slots 81 to substantially close the chamber formed within the housing means 66. The actuating member 88, as here shown, comprises a solid cylindrical rod, having one extremity flattened as at 89 and provided at this extremity with an aperture I0 adapted to receive a fastening means leading to mechanism (not shown) for effecting movement of the actuating member 68. Spaced inwardly from its other extremity, the actuating member 68 is provided with diametrically opposed slots H, for receiving a spring clip I2, a washer I3 being slipped onto the actuating member 68 before the springclip I2 is sprung into position, as best shown in Figure 5.

A carrier block I4 is mounted on the actuating member 68, and has a longitudinally extending arcuate groove I5 in its lower surface, the groove I5 being interrupted by a web portion I6, which latter portion has an aperture 11 for receiving the actuating member 88. The groove I5 is extended to provide a recess for accommodating the washer I3 and the spring member 12. As best shown in Figure 5, the washer I3 abuts one side of the web I6, and resilient means, such as a helical spring I8 disposed about the actuating member 68, has its one end bearing against the other side of the web I6, and the other end of the spring 18 bears against the inside surface of the transverse wall of the housing means 68. It will be obvious, in view of the foregoing, that the actuating member 68 and the carrier block I4 will be urged to the left, as shown in Figure 5. Movement of the actuating member 68 to the right will cause movement of the carrier block I4 against the action of the spring I8. The clip member I2 has been arranged with respect to the actuating member 68, so as to abut the adjacent surface of the transverse wall of the housing means 68, before the carrier block I4 abuts this surface, so as to limit movement of the actuating member 68 to the left.

As best shown in Figure 7, bridge means 19 are adapted to be assembled with the carrier block I4, the bridge means I9 comprising the generally elongated current conducting plate having fingers 80 extending angularly from the transverse margins of the plate. The carrier block I4 has its top surface undercut a sufficient amount so that the bridge means I9 may be placed in the undercut portion, and have its outer surface in flush.

relation with the top surface of the remaining portion of the carrier block I4. The carrier block I4 is provided with recesses 8| adapted to re- 'ceive the fingers 80 formed on the bridge means 19.

Contact means 82, similar to the contact means 21 hereinbefore described, are mounted on the housing means 66 for cooperation with the bridge means I9, and as best shown in Figure 5, the bridge means and the carrier block I4 are mounted on the actuating member 68, so that the bridge means I9 normally engages the contacts of both of the contact means 82, and thereby places these contact means in electrical circuit. When the actuating member 68 is pulled to the right, (Figure 5) the bridge means I9 engages the contact of only one contact means 82, and electrical circuit between the contact means is broken.

Referring particularly to Figure 6, it will be noted that the chamber portion of the housing means 66 is of a width to closely accommodate the lateral width of the carrier block I4, and the bottom surface of the carrier block rides on the generally plane portion El of the bracket member 60. The arcuate groove 62 slidably engages the rounded extremity of the web 16 to guide movement of the carrier block I4, the groove 62 also providing a recess for accommodating the spring I8.

The construction shown in Figure 8 discloses a different relation of the parts comprising the embodiment disclosed in Figures 5 through 'I, the parts being somewhat similar to the parts hereinbefore described, and like numerals bearing the subscript 0 will designate like parts. In this construction, the bridge means I90, in the normal position of the switch, that is, the position wherein the spring IBc normally maintains the actuating member 680 and the carrier block 140 in the left-hand position, engages only one of the contact means 82c, and therefore the circuit between the two contact means 820 is normally broken. Movement of the actuating member 680 to the right, causes the bridge means I90 to engage both of the contact means 820, and thereby establishes circuit between the contact means. It will be obvious that the carrier block I40 will have its upper surface undercut at the proper location so as to accommodate the bridge means I90.

Referring to Figure 9, the construction therein shown is somewhat similar to the construction shown in Figures 1 through 3, and like numerals bearing the subscript (1 will designate like parts. In the construction shown in Figure 9, the bridge means 53d normally engages both of the contact means 21d, when the actuating member 31d is in its normal or left-hand position, so that the contact means TM are in electrical circuit. Movement of the actuating member 31d to the right will cause the bridge means 53d to disengage one of the contact means 21d, and thereby interrupt electrical circuit between the contact means 21d. Again, the carrier block 46d will be provided with an undercut top surface to properly accommodate the bridge means 53d.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that I have accomplished at least the principal objectof my invention,-and it also will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described may be variously changed and modified, without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention is capable of uses and has advantages not herein specifically described; hence it will be appreciated that the herein disclosed embodiments are illustrative only, and that my invention is not limited thereto.

I claim:

1. An electric switch, comprising: a casing, having a supporting wall, and Walls extending angularly from the marginal surface of said sup porting wall, certain opposite extending walls being recessed; a first switch element, carried by said supporting wall; a second switch element, disposed Within the chamber formed by said casing, and being movable relative to said first switch element; generally tubular actuating means, extending through said casing, and having its extremities projecting through the recesses in said extending walls, said actuating means being connected to said movable switch element, and constructed and arranged to move said movable element to different positions with respect to said stationary element; spring means, disposed within the confines of said tubular actuating means, and having one end bearing against a part of said actuating means at one extremity of said actuating means, and the other end bearing against the extending wall through which the opposite extremity of said actuating means projects, said spring means being constructed and arranged to urge said movable switch element to a predetermined relation with respect to said first switch element; and plate means, spanning the terminating margins of said angularly extending walls to close off said casing, said plate means being secured to said casing.

2. An electric switch, comprising: a casing, having a supporting wall, and walls extending angularly from the marginal surface of said supporting wall, certain opposite extending walls being recessed; a first switch element, carried by said supporting wall; a second switch element having a carrier therefor, disposed within the chamber formed by said casingQand being movable relative to said first switch element; metal actuating means, having a portion within the casing connected to said carrier, and having its extremities slidably extending through the apertures in said certain extending walls, said actuating means being assemblable with said recesses by movement in a direction transverse to the axis of said actuating means, and said actuating means including an elongated rectilinear surface intermediate its extremities; and closure means, secured to said angularly extending walls, and having an elongated rectilinear surface constructed and arranged for cooperation with said surface of said actuating means, to provide a bearing surface for said actuating member.

3. An electric switch, comprising: an open sided casing, formed 01' insulating material, the closed-side wall and end walls providing an elongated space, said close-side wall having an aperture countersunk by a recess leading into said space, and opposite end walls having notches extending inwardly from the marginal surfaces of these end walls; actuating means, comprising an elongated member reciprocable through the notches in said end walls; a carrier; bridge means secured to said carrier, carried by that portion of the actuating means within said space; a terminal post, extending through said aperture, and having a contact head at one extremity disposed within said space, and means adjacent its other extremity for resiliently retaining a terminal, said terminal post being bodily reciprocable through said aperture in a direction transverse to the movement of said bridge means; and resilient means, constructed and arranged to urge said contact head into engagement with said bridge means.

4. An electric switch, comprising: an opensided casing, formed of insulating material, the closed-side wall and end walls providing an elongated space, said closed-side wall having an aperture countersunk by a recess leading into said space, and opposite end walls having notches extending inwardly from the marginal surfaces of these end walls; actuating means, comprising an elongated member reciprocable through the notches in said end walls; a carrier; bridge means secured to said carrier; said carrier being carried by that portion of the actuating means within said space; a terminal post, extending through said aperture, and having a contact head at one extremity disposed within said space, and means adjacent its other extremity for resiliently retaining a terminal, said terminal post being bodily reciprocable through said aperture in a direction transverse to the movement of said bridge means; plate means, spanning the marginal surfaces of said end wall, and secured to said casing for closing oil said space; and resilient means, constructed and arranged to urge said contact head into engagement with said bridge means, the urging force of said resilient means being transmitted through said bridge means, urging said actuating means to bearing relation with respect to a portion-of said plate means.

5...An electric switch, comprising: an opensided casing, the closed-side wall and the end walls depending from the closed-side wall forming a space, certain opposite end walls having notches, extending inwardly from the marginal surfaces" of these end walls; contact means. carried by said closed-side wall, having a contact head extending into said space; a carrier; bridge means, secured to said carrier disposed within said space, for movement into and out of engagement with said contact head; plate means, secured to said casing in position spanning the marginal surfaces of said end walls, and closing off said space; and metal actuating means, having portions closely but slidably fitting through notches in respective end walls, and having also a portion within said casing connected to said carrier for effecting movement of said bridge means; said plate means holding the portions of said actuating means in position in said notches, and providing a bearing surface along which said actuating means slides.

6. An electric switch, comprising: an opensided casing, the closed-side wall and the end walls depending from the closed-side wall form- ,ing a space, certain of the end walls being formed with abutment means; contact means, carried by said closed-side wall, having a contact head extending into said space; a -,carrier; bridge means secured to said carrier, disposed Within said space, for movement into and out of engagement with said contact head; metal actuating means, reciprocably mounted with respect to said casing, having a portion within said casing connected to said carrier for efiecting movement of said bridge means; and plate means, spanning the terminating margins of said end walls, and having tongue means bent to overlie a surface of the abutment means formed on said end walls, thereby to hold said plate means to said casing.

7. An electrical switch, comprising: a casing, having a supporting wall, and walls extending angularly from the marginal surface of said supporting wall, certain opposite extending walls being recessed; a first switch element, carried by said supporting wall; a second switch element, disposed within the chamber formed by said casing, and being movable relative to said first switch element; actuating means, extending through said casing, and having its extremities projecting through the recesses in said extending walls, said actuating means being connected to said movable switch element, and constructed and arranged to move said movable element to different positions with respect to said stationary element; spring means, carried by said actuating means, and having one end bearing against an abutment associated with one extremity of said actuating means, and the other end bearing against the extending wall through which the opposite extremity of said actuating means projects, said spring means being constructed and arranged to move said movable switch element to a predetermined relation with respect to said first switch element; and plate means, spanning the terminating margins of said angularly extending walls to close off said casing, said plate means being secured to said casing.

HARRY A. DOUGLAS. 

